Five Facts About Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus

It is rare for a child to die of tetanus in the United States, but around the world one child dies every three minutes from the completely preventable illness. The painful death can be prevented with a vaccine that costs between just five and seven cents. Caryl M. Stern, the president and CEO of US Fund for UNICEF and mother of three has made it her mission to make the number of fatalities zero. As a mom, I also believe in zero. Do you? Check out this slideshow to learn five reasons why you should.

In developing countries where health care is not easily accessible, women give birth at home in often unsanitary conditions, putting them and their newborn babies at risk of contracting tetanus. The bacteria can pass through the umbilical cord when cut, infecting both mother and baby.

Two doses of the tetanus vaccine are recommended for pregnant women, and three doses to all women of childbearing age in high-risk areas, providing protection for up to 15 years. The vaccine also passes on the immunity to the mother's newborns for the first few months of life.

Advocate on behalf of these children by signing a Presidential Initiative to make child survival policy a priority, donate whatever you can, buy diapers that give back to the cause or recruit your family members and friends to get involved. Teach your children that they can make a difference.